Image credit: Fossil Free Culture NL

A talk and workshop with Tal Beery of Occupy Museums

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Loopholing, hijacking, temporary autonomous zones, direct actions, and performative interventions: these are a few of the tactics artists and activists have been using in recent years to resist the ongoing privatization of cultural institutions. Occupying the Museum begins with a 45 minute lecture to define and illustrate each of these tactics through the work of the Illuminator, Natural History Museum, Fossil Free Culture NL, Gulf Labor, Liberate Tate, MTL+, and Occupy Museums. We then divide into smaller groups to develop actions aimed at addressing a particular target, namely, the Van Gogh Museum. We reconvene after 45 minutes to share our progress with the larger group and to begin an open conversation about the nuances and challenges of occupying the museum.

Attendance is free. No previous background necessary, but may be especially valuable for artists, academics, curators, and activists. Coffee/tea and biscuits will be provided for.

This event is made possible with financial assistance from CLUE+.